Page 228 of Duty and Desire

Bon stepped forward with his hand out, every bit as tall, dark, and handsome as his brother. But with a hint of the devil in his smile. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I’m a big fan of your work.”

“Thank you. Are you a bodyguard too?”

“I am,” he said and there was something in his tone. “I was hoping I’d get the chance to work with you, but Ziggy tells me he has it covered.”

“Ziggy has been great.”

Bon slapped his brother on the back so hard Ziggy winced. What the hell was going on here? Sibling rivalry or something? As an only child, families with more than one kid kind of fascinated me. I looked like Mom so it wasn’t about having someone I resembled. But I’d never had anyone around my own age to bicker about the silly everyday stuff or to lean on when times were tough. Someone who grew up with me and came from the same background. Not that I suffered. Mom and Gran are and were my bedrock. But it would have been nice to have a brother or sister.

“I’m sure you both get asked this all the time, but I take it your parents were big music fans?” I asked.

Ziggy nodded. “Mom’s a rock chick from way back. Bowie and AC/DC are her favorites.”

“We were pretty much raised on that music,” said Bon. “And hey, at least there weren’t five other kids in the class with the same name.”

“True enough. And years later, here you both are, surrounded by rock’and’roll.”

Ziggy opened his mouth to speak, but Bon got in first: “Yeah, but not in the way Mom was hoping. She was trying to bring up a couple of boys who could wield axes in the musical sense.”

“I see. Not axes in the actual sense, like you two.”

“Exactly.”

“Except by axes he means guns,” said Ziggy.

I nodded. “Gotcha.”

Bon gave me another warm smile while Ziggy frowned at his brother. Interesting. This conversation had the air of a territorial pissing competition. Only it was hard to figure out if it was due to competitive business stuff, general sibling rivalry, or what. His brother sure could make him react, however.

“Not to kill the mood,” said Bon, “but I’m sorry to hear about your situation. There are some assholes out there.”

“Language,” hissed his brother.

“It’s fine.” I looked away for a moment. “And yes, there are.”

“Glad my brother’s got your back through this trying time. You couldn’t ask for anyone more capable.” At this, he gave said brother another of those evil back slaps.

“Thanks,” said Ziggy, somewhat drily.

“Though if he ever needs a day off, I’d be happy to step in and watch you, Miss Cooper.”

Ziggy’s jaw firmed. “She doesn’t need you watching her.”

“Just offering.”

“You’re being unprofessional.”

“How am I being unprofessional, ensuring that our client’s needs are being met?”

“Thanks anyway, brother. You’ve got enough on your plate. Luke or Adelaide can cover if necessary.” If Ziggy’s eyes had shot out laser beams, I would not have been surprised. Well, I would have, but not by much. This interaction was nothing less than fascinating.

“There’s a female bodyguard on staff?” I asked.

“She’s busy.” And that was it. That was all Ziggy said. He and his big blank handsome face.

Shit.“Oh, no. I didn’t mean to imply…you’re doing a wonderful job. There’s no need to bring anyone else in.”

Bon smirked, but tried to hide it. That was about enough for me.